Press Releases and Media Advisories

ST. MARY’S CENTER LAUNCHES NEW SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM FOR 12 YOUNG FAMILIES

Private Foundation and City Unite to Fund $4M Project

Boston, Mass.—St. Mary’s Center’s new supportive housing program involves the substantial renovation of an existing structure to provide a critical and unmet need in the community—supportive housing for young families who are not fully prepared for independent living. The new program will be the fourth residential program on the agency’s Dorchester campus, and its eighth program overall. The supportive housing program will provide 12 young homeless families at any one time with the tools, developmental experience, and learning opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.

The new project is made possible through private support of more than $3 million from the Massachusetts Maternity and Foundling Hospital Corporation, and $1 million in support from the City of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development. Residents also will have project based Massachusetts Rental Vouchers.

“St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children is a very special place to me. Families have the opportunity to change the trajectory of their futures at the Center, and with a mix of City and private funding they will continue to receive the support they need to become independent,” said Mayor Walsh.

The Mayor has been a tireless advocate of the work of St. Mary’s Center which supports 600 women and children annually with shelter, clinical and educational services, job training and employment placement, and affordable permanent housing searches.

“We are so blessed to have the support of the Mayor, the City, and of course the extraordinary generosity of Massachusetts Maternity and Foundling Hospital Corporation in making possible the dream of providing young homeless families with supportive housing,” said Deirdre Houtmeyers, President of St. Mary’s Center. “We now know their emotional well-being, education, and economic opportunities are further realized through this new program.”

The new program will open its doors in late 2015. A private groundbreaking ceremony is to be held on June 16 at St. Mary’s Center and will have many dignitaries and elected officials in attendance including, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Mayor Walsh, Police Commissioner William Evans, Senator Linda Dorcena Forry, Rep. Dan Hunt, Rep. Russell Holmes, City Councilor Frank Baker, and City Councilor Stephen Murphy.

The program offers a multi-disciplinary approach, including social workers, nurse and case managers. Working with the family as a team, they will help identify and bridge serious gaps in skills, address emotional and social challenges, and overcome barriers to employment and increased financial independence.

Massachusetts Maternity and Foundling Hospital is making this substantial gift to provide long-term supportive, transitional housing to young families. In the past, the foundation has supported programs that provide housing and services to teen mothers and their children, including nearly $300,000 in past support to the Center’s St. Mary’s Home, a program for pregnant and parenting teens.

“The young families served at St. Mary’s Home and other residential programs are particularly vulnerable as they leave a communal and supportive environment, having made significant progress but not yet ready for independent living,” said Dr. Thomas Connolly, President of the Massachusetts Maternity and Foundling Hospital. “Mass Maternity is delighted to have the opportunity to partner with St. Mary’s and the City to create a place where families can continue their progress towards independence and self-sufficiency. The program allows the foundation to fulfill the mission of its founders in creating a comprehensive program to support young moms.”

The new program’s building is located at 84 Cushing Avenue in Dorchester, within walking distance of Upham’s Corner and across a driveway from the main building. The renovation is of the former clinic which built in the early 1900’s as part of St. Margaret’s Hospital, which eventually gave the property to St. Mary’s Center in 1993. Mayor Walsh and the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy were both born at St. Margaret’s Hospital.

St. Mary’s Center currently operates four residential (shelter) programs, including three located on its Dorchester campus as follows: Bridge Home, a stabilization program for 12 children ages 0-12 who have been removed from their home due to abuse, trauma and neglect; St. Mary’s Home, an 17-room shelter for pregnant and parenting teens and their children; and Margaret’s House, a 32-room program for moms and their children. St. Mary’s Center also runs Crossroads, a 15-unit, family shelter in East Boston. St. Mary’s Center also has Women’s Learning Center and Women@Work Plus, education and employment programs respectively and GRLZradio.org, a 24/7 web-based radio station and after-school and employment program.

All 12 units will be affordable housing and the redevelopment will contain three, single-bedrooms and nine, two-bedroom units, including one fully accessible and one sensory-impaired unit. All units will have private bathrooms and kitchens and will be gas heated by new high efficiency boilers. Domestic electric including electric cooking and air conditioning will be individually metered.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

50 CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS POISED TO TRANSFORM ST. MARY’S CENTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

4th Annual Day of Service Brings $250,000 of In-Kind Services and Resources to Homeless Families.

Boston, Mass.—More than 150 volunteers representing the Association of General Contractors (AGC) of Massachusetts will rally on May 15th to transform the Dorchester campus of St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children. The day-long project, which kicks off at 7 a.m., brings an unprecedented level of capital and professional support to the aging facility, formerly St. Margaret’s Hospital. Today, more than 600 women and children receive shelter, education and job training at St. Mary’s Center. The project’s value, estimated at $250,000, will improve the facility and create a more functional space for the agency’s six programs.

“We are honored to partner with St. Mary’s Center and bring our members’ commercial building expertise to this project so more families can build brighter futures for themselves.” Bob Petrucelli, President and CEO of AGC of Massachusetts.

Last winter’s record-breaking snowfall has taken a toll on the historic building which is located in Upham’s Corner atop the highest point in Boston, Jones Hill. The project includes repair to the building’s façade, updates to the interior at GRLZradio.org, an afterschool program and web-based radio station for teen girls, the creation of an additional bedroom in Margaret’s House, an onsite residence for homeless families, improvements to community space in St. Mary’s Home, a residential program for pregnant and parenting teens, landscaping, and the renovation of the lobby and reception area.

St. Mary’s Center President Deirdre Houtmeyers recognizes the value and impact of the day of service. “This is a tremendous gift to St. Mary’s Center, a place which hundreds of families call home each year. To replicate a project of this magnitude on our own would take at least a year of planning and fundraising. Thanks to the AGC, we can allocate more resources to the programs and services benefiting our families.”

Mayor Martin Walsh and his Office of Neighborhood Services along with Boston City Councilor Frank Baker have advocated for the families of St. Mary’s Center and played an integral role in making this service project possible. Boston City Councilor Frank Baker along with members from fifty organizations will take part in the day of service:

AGC or Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts
AGC or Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts is a professional construction association representing firms that provide building construction services for commercial and institutional clients in the Commonwealth. Begun in 1935, the association offers valuable management education, safety training, and advocacy for its members and the industry at large. The AGC of Massachusetts is a chapter of the national association, Associated General Contractors of America, which began in 1935 at the behest of President Wilson. The goal was to assist the government in planning for the advancement of the nation, an objective that AGC has been fulfilling since that time. Locally, the chapter works closely with all facets of the industry to advocate for fair business practices for all participants.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 29, 2015

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK’S JORDAN KNIGHT, SPECIAL GUEST AT 5TH ANNUAL DANCING FOR HOPE

City Councilor Tito Jackson, MTV’s Phunk Phenomenon, Patriots’ Cheerleaders to appear at Fundraiser for St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children

Boston, Mass.—Fans of New Kids on the Block front-man Jordan Knight get ready to dance the night away for a great cause. Knight will once again be the special guest at the 5th annual Dancing for Hope fundraiser at one of Boston’s premier nightclubs, The Estate, located at One Boylston Place. The Saturday, February 7 event kicks off at 6 p.m.

All event proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children, the Dorchester-based nonprofit agency which provides residential, education and employment programs for young families affected by intergenerational homelessness, poverty and trauma. To date the Dancing for Hope committee, co-chaired by event founders Jill Hayes and Evelyn Knight, has raised more than $285,000 for St. Mary’s Center’s programs and services.

Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson returns for the second consecutive year as the event’s emcee. Dancing for Hope 2015 will also feature a performance by Phunk Phenomenon, from the hit show America’s Best Dance Crew, and an appearance by members of the New England Patriots cheerleading squad—just back in Boston following their Super Bowl performance. Tickets, which range from $40-$250, are available online at www.stmaryscenterma.org. Sponsor and VIP level tickets include a special reception and photos with Jordan Knight.

St. Mary’s Center President Deirdre Houtmeyers recognizes the value of Dancing for Hope. “This annual event does much more than raise funds for St. Mary’s Center and our essential programs and services. Through Dancing for Hope, new audiences become aware of the vital role we play in the Boston community. Everyone at St. Mary’s—both staff and clients— is grateful to the committee for their tireless efforts all year long.”

Annual Benefit Launches St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children 20th Anniversary Celebration

WHAT: New Kid on the Block vocalist and singer-songwriter,Jordan Knight, Boston City Councilor,Tito Jackson, and MIX 104.1 on-air personality,“Fast Freddy,”will join an expected 500 guests at the 4th annual Dancing for Hope fundraiser, with all proceeds supportingSt. Mary’s Center for Women and Children. This year’s Dancing for Hope benefit will help kick-off the Dorchester nonprofit’s 20th anniversary and launch St. Mary’s newly established Education and Employment Fund.

Dancing for Hope will feature a photo booth where guests can pose fora souvenir snapshot with Jordan Knight, appearances by the New England Patriots Cheerleaders and Miss Massachusetts USA and special dance performances by Against All Odds and MTV’s Phunk Phenomenon. The event will also include a silent auction featuring Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots tickets, a Nantucket getaway for two, autographed sports and New Kids on the Block memorabilia and tickets to for an upcoming Drop Kick Murphys concert.

Annual Benefit Launches St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children 20th Anniversary Celebration

February 7, 2013 (Dorchester, Mass.) – More than 500 guests are expected to attend the 4th annualDancing for Hope benefit in support of St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children, next Saturday, February 16th at Royale Boston. The event will kick-off St. Mary’s yearlong 20th anniversary celebration and help establish an Education and Employment Fund for the Dorchester nonprofit.

According to Dancing for Hope Co-Chairs, Evelyn Knight and JilianHayes,this year’s event will include special appearances by singer-songwriter and New Kid on the Block vocalist, Jordan Knight, and Kiss 108 on-air personality, Lisa Donovan. Boston City Councilor, Tito Jackson, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Dancing for Hope was founded in 2009,by Evelyn Knight and Jilian Hayes,to support St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children – a vibrant multi-service center providing a comprehensive package of education, employment, housing and after-care programs for at-risk women and their children who are living in poverty. Since its inception, Dancing for Hope has generated more than $160,000 in support of St. Mary’s work and programs, helping the organization provide a pathway out of poverty for 500 women and children annually.

According to St. Mary’s President, Judy Beckler, the funds and awareness generated by Dancing for Hopeare vital to the nonprofit’s mission and success. “We are so thankful to have the support of Dancing for Hope, year after year. This event is crucial to our fundraising efforts, as it attracts both longtime friends and donors of St. Mary’s as well as a newer and younger generation of supporters. It is a night of celebration, in so many ways,” said Beckler.

In addition to a festive evening of dancing, the benefit will feature a special photo booth with Jordan Knight, an appearance by the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, a dance competition with a $500 prize and special performances by YouTube’s #1 band, Ahmir,and MTV’s Phunk Phenomenon. The event will also include a silent auction featuring Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots tickets, a Nantucket getaway for two, autographed sports and New Kids on the Block memorabilia and concert tickets to for an upcoming performance by the Drop Kick Murphys.

PHOTO RELEASE

JANUARY 31, 2013

Massachusetts-bred singer-songwriter, Jordan Knight, paid a special visit to St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children on Wednesday afternoon, with a $10,000 contribution in hand. Knight, a longtime supporter of the Dorchester nonprofit, presented the check to Dancing for Hope – an annual fundraiser benefiting St. Mary’s – before participating in an interview with the organization’s nationally recognized Internet radio station, GRLZ Radio.

The New Kid on the Block vocalist discussed growing up in Dorchester, his path to success and his upcoming tour with his fellow New Kids band mates, 98 Degrees and Boyz II men. Knight called the work of GRLZ Radio “an inspiration” and expressed his excitement for the upcoming Dancing for Hopeevent on Friday, February 8th at Royale Boston.

JORDAN KNIGHT TO PRESENT $10,000 CHECK TO DANCING FOR HOPE TO BENEFIT ST. MARY’S CENTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

SOLO ARTIST, NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK VOCALIST’S GIFT WILL SUPPORT EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS AT DORCHESTER NONPROFIT

WHAT: To help launch the 20th anniversary of St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children, Massachusetts-bred singer-songwriter, Jordan Knight, will present $10,000 to Dancing for Hope– an annual fundraiser benefiting the Dorchester-based nonprofit. This will be the first gift earmarked for the newly established Education and Employment Fund. While at St. Mary’s, Knight will be interviewed on GRLZradio.org the nonprofit’s nationally recognized Internet radio station.

Based on fan support, Knight was chosen to receive$10,000 for the charity of his choicefrom The BiLLe Celeb Charity Challenge, an international, nonprofit organization. The New Kids on the Block vocalist and his wife, Evelyn, are longtime patrons of St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children, which supports 500 women and children annually by providing shelter, clinical and educational services, job training, employment placement and assistance in securing affordable, permanent housing.

WHO:

Jordan Knight, Singer-songwriter

Evelyn Knight, Co-Chair and Founder, Dancing for Hope

Jill Hayes, Co-Chair and Founder, Dancing for Hope

Judy Beckler, President, St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children

Sheri Landry, Representative, TheBiLLe Celeb Charity Challenge

David Steer, Representative, TheBiLLe Celeb Charity Challenge

Bernadette Reid, Director, GRLZ Radio

GRLZ Radio staff

WHERE:

St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children
90 Cushing Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02125

WHAT: St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children initiative for participants in its Women@Work Plus employment training program.

Women@Work Plus serves low-income women, many single mothers with limited work histories and educational success. Designed to help address the social, emotional, educational, vocational and logistical obstacles to successful employment, the program provides comprehensive, on-site case management, skills training and paid working experience at employer partner sites.

Moving Forward Together is a day-long workshop designed to prepare the fifty women who enroll in Women@Work Plus annually for the workforce. The program will include tips for networking, business etiquette, time management and interview preparation.